About 2 months ago I started riding my bike to work primarily to get exercise, save money, arrive FAST, and to be more mobile and happy (FREE parking anywhere! And I'm the boss - I come and go as I want - not according to the bus frequency, etc.
Nothing works my nerve more than waiting endlessly for busses, streetcars, or subways - or worse: Toronto's transit system not being 24 hours, and having to be up close to people who smell, who are loud, and who have no manners. It gets me into a really bad mood. Now, I cycle everywhere...I carry a face cloth to dry off, an extra tshirt to change into, deodrant, and perfume - and yes, at the end of a trip I DO look and smell better than alot of transit riders.
My friend AJ is a big time cyclist. It was only last month that she did the "'Friends for Life' Aids Rally" where her and the fellow cyclists rode from Toronto - Montreal. She described it as an incredible experience! They collected pledges for the cause and all monies raised went to People with Aids Foundation. There were training rides, social events, fundraising parties, camping, bonding with team mates, and above all else: making new friends! She's trying to convince me to participate next year...If you want more information about it (the experience, the journey, the bike route, the logistics, how to get involved next year, then please write back. I will find your answers.)
My other friend Marcos is a daily cyclist like me and he needed some repairs done to his bike. AJ suggested
"BIKE PIRATES" which is on Bloor St (at Lansdowne). It was Marcos' and I first time there and we were really blown away by this establishment. http://bikepirates.com/
First of all, you cannot hire these guys and gals to repair your bike.
The shop (big space) is set up like a 'do it yourself' body shop. There are individual stations which are in fact poles with vices so that you can hoist your bike up and lock it into place so that YOU (yes, you) can work on it.
Bike Pirates is an all run volunteer based establishment. They (the pirates?) float around the shop asking you what problems your bike has and will teach you how to fix it. Their shop is fully loaded with tools, parts (new and used which you can purchase), nuts, bolts, screws, etc...and you work on your bike yourself under their guidance. I am not inclined to be a Ms Fixit or use tools to repair things, so I was just standing around trying to look good for all the hardworking guys and gals. I went to Bike Pirates because I was trying to find a new splash guard for the back of my bike. Marcos needed his front brakes replaced and under a pirate's guidance, Marcos did it himself! The cost? You donate whatever you deem fit for the pirate's guidance & time, and the shop's space. You drop your donation in a big bucket at the front door. Now Marcos has the pirate bug and wants to be a volunteer. He has no prior bike experience - and that's OKAY!!
First he will go there as an observer and trainee....to watch and learn what and how the pirates do it. Then he would like to hang out as a weekly volunteer. And you can too if you have an interest in bike repairs, etc. No experience necessary, only enthuasiam.
More about Bike Pirates:
- they accept all donations and will take your old bikes, chains, handlebars, helmets, tools, screws, bolts, bells, pedals - anything that you can spare! (call me if you're busy, I'll bike over and collect it and bring it to the shop)
- they are very grassroots and community oriented. They have fundraisers for the shop (bike washes, etc) whereby you can come with your dirty bike, they will wash it (perhaps lube and tighten) and you donate money to the shop
- the Pirates offer a wealth of knowledge not only on how to teach you to repair, but they are also tapped manny manny other Toronto bike resourses. This is a great way to expand your circle and meet more people with similar interests as yourself..all for free!
- Bike Pirates (a DIY - do it yourself shop) does not only exist in Toronto, they are in San Francisco and perhaps even in your city!
- Bike Pirates will gladly accept any donations you have to offer. Cash, parts, old bikes, accessories, etc
- Bike Pirates are always looking for more volunteers: Those experienced in mechanics, or those wanting to learn more about bicycles, or those wanting to contribute an any other way...answering phones? greeting those at the door and helping them get settled? helping to organize and tidy up the shop?, etc...
Please write me back if you have any parts or tools or accessories (helmets, lights, reflectors, seats, etc) to donate to Bike Pirates.
Here's a picture of Marcos working on his bike at Bike Pirates.
The second picture is at our friend Ankur's apartment. It was taco night and after Bike Pirates Marcos and I cycled over with a 12 pack of cold Corona in our messenger bags (we drank responsibility since we each had to bike home).
Notice how we crossed our bottles like Pirates ;-)
